Hemp or Hype? Is Hemp the Real Deal?

November 5, 2020
 |  2,687 Comments

 

Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant that was specially bred for its use in textiles. It contains very little of the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp seeds are now the new diet craze and are touted to have many beneficial health effects. Specifically, the seeds of the hemp plant, and the oil produced from them, are said to be a great source of a number of nutrients such as essential fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid (an important essential fatty acid for cellular health) Vitamin E and a great source of chlorophyll (a substance that supposedly has anti-cancer effects). Scientific studies have shown that it is also good for your skin and is useful in treating atopic dermatitis.

The market for hemp products has surged in recent years. There appear to be a variety of uses for hemp-based products such as shampoo, facial cream, all types of clothing, protein powders, hot dogs, beer and liquor, dog toys, and even, yes, sports cars. Many of these products do not need FDA clearance if they are sold as supplements. So are companies legitimately using the (small amount) of data on hemp and health to guide them in producing their products? Or is hemp the new snake oil?